Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

To him {G846} that overcometh {G3528} will I grant {G1325} to sit {G2523} with {G3326} me {G1700} in {G1722} my {G3450} throne {G2362}, even {G2504} as {G5613} I also {G2504} overcame {G3528}, and {G2532} am set down {G2523} with {G3326} my {G3450} Father {G3962} in {G1722} his {G846} throne {G2362}.

I will let him who wins the victory sit with me on my throne, just as I myself also won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne.

To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 3:21 offers a profound promise from Jesus Christ to those who demonstrate spiritual victory and perseverance. It is the culminating promise in the series of letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor, emphasizing a shared future of reign and glory with Christ Himself.

Context

This verse concludes the letter to the church in Laodicea, the seventh and final church addressed by Jesus in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. The Laodicean church is famously depicted as "lukewarm," neither hot nor cold, indicative of spiritual apathy and self-sufficiency. Despite their spiritual poverty, Jesus stands at the door, calling for repentance and communion (Revelation 3:20). The promise in verse 21 is therefore a powerful incentive for this complacent church, and for all believers, to overcome their spiritual indifference and pursue true faith and zeal.

Key Themes

  • The Call to Overcome: The phrase "him that overcometh" is central to the messages to the seven churches, appearing in each one (e.g., Revelation 2:7, 3:5). To "overcome" (Greek: nikao) means to conquer, prevail, or gain victory. In the context of Revelation, it signifies faithfulness to Christ amidst trials, persecutions, and the allure of worldly compromise. It's a call to spiritual endurance and steadfastness in faith.
  • Shared Reign and Authority: The astounding promise is to "sit with me in my throne." This speaks to an intimate partnership and a sharing in Christ's royal authority. It's not merely being near Him, but sharing His seat of power. This concept is reiterated elsewhere, suggesting believers will reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12) and judge the world (1 Corinthians 6:2).
  • Christ as the Ultimate Example: Jesus grounds His promise in His own experience: "even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Christ's victory was achieved through His perfect obedience, suffering, death, and resurrection. His overcoming led to His exaltation and seating at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 1:20). This provides both the pattern and the assurance for the believer's future glory.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "overcometh" is nikao (νικάω), from which we get the word "Nike" (victory). It denotes a decisive triumph over an adversary. The term "throne" (Greek: thronos, θρόνος) consistently refers to a seat of power, authority, and judgment, emphasizing the royal and governmental nature of the promised co-reign.

Practical Application

Revelation 3:21 serves as a tremendous source of encouragement and motivation for believers today. It reminds us that our present struggles, temptations, and spiritual battles are not in vain. The call to be an "overcomer" is a call to active faith, to resist conformity to the world, and to remain loyal to Christ. This promise of sharing Christ's throne underscores the immense value of perseverance and spiritual growth. It elevates our perspective beyond earthly concerns, focusing on the eternal reward and the intimate relationship we are invited to share with our King.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 2:12

    If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

  • Matthew 19:28

    And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • John 16:33

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • Revelation 2:26

    And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

  • Revelation 2:27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

  • Revelation 2:7

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:2

    Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
← Back